This article discusses how diet influences cancer risk and highlights foods to consume or avoid for prevention. It also explores cutting-edge treatments like (CAR) T-cell therapy and targeted medications such as Ibrutinib, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to cancer management.

Effective Approaches to Cancer Prevention: Dietary Strategies and Medical Advances

Diet plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of certain cancers, including ovarian, blood, lung, prostate, and breast cancers. While a healthy diet isn't a cure, it can help lower the probability of developing these diseases. This article covers key foods to eat and avoid, along with innovative treatments like (CAR) T-cell therapy which boost the immune response against cancer.

Foods to Minimize or Avoid

Red and Processed Meats

Items such as hot dogs, salami, sausages, ham, and beef jerky contain carcinogens from curing, smoking, or salting, increasing colorectal and stomach cancer risks. Substituting with fish, poultry, or turkey is advisable.

Alcohol

Alcohol, a group 1 carcinogen, is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, liver, stomach, and intestines. Moderate drinking reduces risk, but excessive consumption elevates cancer chances.

Refined Carbohydrates and Sugary Foods

High intake of refined carbs and sugars may lead to increased visceral fat and type 2 diabetes, both associated with higher cancer risks. Cutting back on white bread, pasta, and sugary cereals can be protective.

These dietary choices can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, factors that contribute to ovarian, breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancers.

Foods to Include

Olive Oil

Loaded with antioxidants like oleocanthal, olive oil has properties that may fight cancer by disrupting cancer cell membranes. Incorporating it into salads and cooking can support cancer prevention efforts, particularly for breast and gastrointestinal cancers.

Garlic

The compound allicin in garlic offers anti-cancer benefits, notably reducing stomach cancer risk. Consuming one to two grams daily (about one clove) can be advantageous.

Broccoli

This vegetable contains glucosinolates, which activate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens, thus lowering the chances of developing breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.

Emerging Cancer Therapies

(CAR) T-cell Therapy

This innovative treatment involves genetically modifying T cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The lab-enhanced cells are then infused into patients, especially effective against certain blood cancers.

Ibrutinib (IMBRUVICA)

Ibrutinib, known as IMBRUVICA, is a targeted therapy that inhibits BTK proteins, used for leukemia, lymphoma, and macroglobulinemia. Taken orally daily, it blocks abnormal signals, destroys cancer cells, and prevents disease progression.